This past February, I had the incredible opportunity to ascend upon London to work at Broadbean’s corporate offices and attend #TruLondon, the unconference put together by the TruCrew that includes “MrBill” Bill Boorman, his lovely bride, Fran, Geoff Radical Recruiter and Sourcer Extraordinaire Webb and the lovely Maha Akiki. TruCrew seems to be experiencing some growth as several people have told me they are now a part of the Crew.
Perhaps, we are all part of the crew?
I think so, given what TRU is all about. Lucky for me, I made the trek to Toronto with the Contingency from Indiana (Andy Gregory and Jerry Albright) last September to attend RecruitingBlogs.com’s RecruitFest, where I participated, in original unconference format, in several tracks. One in particular led by MrBill gave me the opportunity to speak face to face with him and get an up close look at the passion he has for not only the industry, but for expanding the minds of those that live in our space.
London opened my eyes to many differences, yes, but more importantly to the similarities we all face in our jobs, goals, desires, and difficulties. To sit in a session led by Lisa Scales, Jason Davis and Craig Fisher or Alan Whitford, Geoff Webb and Jim Stroud leading tracks is inspiring in the fact in the recognition that we
are all really in the same boat, trying to get a handle on ever-changing technology as well as our hands on a paycheck. When a comrade struggles, fails or squirms, so do we. When a colleague is ripped-off, so are the rest of us. And we celebrate the successes of each other. How can we not? They are indicative of the hard work, the payoff, for which each of us strives.
TRU wants that success for each of us, this I know. The knowledge that is revealed in each corner discussion, the desire to share that knowledge and create a network of individuals that ache for growth and development in a field that embraces speed and the technology that provides that speed, is evident in each conversation and blog post. The invisible walls that once separated recruiters, hiring managers, HR professionals and vendors are being torn down. And TRU movement is part of that.
As quoted by Radical Recruiter earlier, “There has never been a more international group represented at any unconference in the USA.” I feel very fortunate to be listed as a Track Leader and look forward to earning my TruCrew badge, the badge of freedom that allows us to exchange ideas and information. The Badge of Rationalism, I shall call it. This is our realm; a place where spontaneous conversation breaks out, where listening occurs and maybe even some minds are changed. It is possible, it has happened. Before I enter each track, I will promise to maintain civility and participate with an open mind.
My passion for our industry is evident in every word I write, in every word I say, in every handshake, virtual or IRL. I value it and the people that make up our realm – if I fail at civility, at rationality, then I fail my badge, I fail my realm. But most importantly, I fail me; I fail at true learning and at the golden rule.
I’m choosing to not fail and I will honor my badge.
© by rayannethorn
TruUSA
Madison, WI
April 19 – 20, 2010
http://thetruconferences.com/tru-usa/
Thanks Julia Stone as BizWerks, Site Sponsor!
http://www.bizwerks.com/
The New Front Porch 